DStv gets new HD channel

DStv has launched a second high-definition channel, Discovery HD Showcase. The new channel, which is available to subscribers with an HD personal video recorder (HD PVR), was launched on Monday, 21 December.

MultiChoice, which forms part of the JSE-listed Naspers media stable, plans to launch as many as three new HD channels in the next few months catering to the growing number of its subscribers with television sets capable of displaying HD signals.

The news follows MultiChoice’s recent announcement that it will launch SuperSport HD on 26 December to coincide with the start of the second cricket test match between SA and England.

Until now, the DStv bouquet has offered only one HD channel, M-Net HD.

Discovery HD Showcase, which is available on channel 172, offers a variety of programming, including science, technology, people, places and natural history. — Duncan McLeod, TechCentral

When I started with satellite TV, I bought an HD PVR, not knowing about the PVR subscription over and above the decoder part. What remains to be seen is whether this “Discovery HD” channel will actually broadcast the Discovery Channel or DStv’s interpretation of what they want to broadcast. Don’t be fooled, DStv does NOT broadcast the same as what the host sites broadcast. They give us what THEY WANT to give us, and make us pay for it over and over and over again! 😡

Kewl….at loooong last we starting to get some value for our money. I was one of the first to adopt the HD-PVR…..PAIN!!! I still have many issues and the upgrade they do do not seems to help much.

The decoder is sloooow….painfully and frustratingly slow! Be warned. Your current SD-PVR or normal decoder will seem like a Ferrari against the HD. As said…at least we are getting some value now with the more channels.

I think we need serious competition in the market….if only to force DSTV to provide more for the same money.